HomePublicationsReports The Facts on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for Workers with Disabilities

The Facts on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for Workers with Disabilities

May 2013, Shawn Fremstad, Rebecca Vallas

This issue brief answers some of the common questions about Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security. These programs are critical lifelines for roughly 12 million people with disabilities. The modest assistance provides by these programs makes it possible for individuals with severe disabilities and health conditions to live independently, keep a roof over their heads and food on the table and pay for needed and often life-sustaining medications and basic expenses. While the focus of this brief is on non-elderly adults with severe disabilities, it is important to note that Supplemental Security also provides vital support to some 1.2 million children with severe disabilities, as well as more than 2 million low-income seniors.